COLUMBUS, OHIO -
The 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships will be delayed by one day, due to the illness of some participants, the NCAA announced today (Thursday, March 25). The championships will now begin at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, March 26, at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and will end on Sunday, March 28.

The start of the championships was moved back to ensure the health and well-being of those participants who became ill and all student-athletes competing at the event.

Eighteen student-athletes and one coach were treated at The Ohio State University Medical Center and The Ohio State Sports Medicine Center for a possible gastrointestinal illness on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. All of the individuals are in Columbus to participate in the championships.

As of noon on Wednesday (March 24), no additional individuals involved in the championships were reported as showing signs of the illness. The championship venue and facilities have also been thoroughly examined by health officials and approved for use.

The NCAA, The Ohio State University Medical Center, The Ohio State University officials and the Ohio health department continue to monitor the issue. One of the priorities is to ensure all teams and competitors are kept informed of developments and preventive measures as they occur.

Cal, under the direction of third year head coach David Durden, has a squad of 18 swimmers who will be competing at this year's NCAA championship, the most a team is allowed. Last year the Golden Bears placed fourth at the NCAA meet with junior Nathan Adrian capturing the 50 and 100 free, and junior Damir Dugonjic winning the 100 breast. Cal also had national runner-up finishes in the 200 and 400 medley relays, as well as senior Sean Mahoney placing second in the 200 breast and former swimmer David Russell finishing second in the 100 back.